Food Insecurity In Canada: Gaining A Better Understanding Of Where And Why It Exists

Food insecurity remains a challenge even in high-income countries. This study has two main goals: (i) to explore the factors driving differences in household food security between urban and rural areas; and (ii) to examine public perceptions regarding the existence, causes, and solutions to food insecurity. The first objective is addressed through a multinomial logit analysis of data from the CIS 2021. The second builds on Attribution Theory and involves a survey conducted with a representative Canadian sample, analyzed using factor analysis. Findings show that rural households would be 1.4% more likely to experience food insecurity than urban ones. The identified public antecedents include economic conditions, the food system and government, social support, and individual factors. The government is seen as primarily responsible for addressing the issue. Recommended policy measures include reducing food prices for low-income populations, improving access to affordable food shops, and supporting increased local food production.